26 May,2011 08:52 AM IST | | Shashank Shekhar
The Ranbanka palace unfolded a royal life and a different aspect of Jodhpur
Rajasthan, the land of royals, has always been my favourite travel destination. So one weekend when I had nothing to do, I thought of leaving Delhi behind and embark on yet another trip to Jodhpur. But since the mercury was setting everything on fire, I decided not to be too adventurous and stay at a hotel which can narrate to me the tales of Royal Rajasthan.
Luckily, a fellow passenger suggested that I should check out a hotel owned by Rathore royal and polo ace Karna Vijay Singh and wife Shweta Rathore. I was a little sceptical about the term 'heritage hotel' but thought of giving it a chance.
Barely a 10 minute drive from the railway station, the Ranbanka Palace was home to the royal family of Jodhpur. Surprisingly, the red sandstone building has no domes, arches or carving on the walls to claim the status of a 'heritage structure like usual. The corridors have rare picture of the royal family framed on the walls.
Restoring glory
Interestingly, a part of the building was restored in 2000 and was turned into a hotel while the other half is still being used by the royal family. The best part about Ranbanka is its positioning -- on one side is the Mehrangarh Fort while Umaid Bhawan is on the other side. Ranbanka dates back to 1927. Young, when you compare it to other forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Named after the clan's war cry, 'Ranbanka Rathore' (the invincible Rathore), it was built for Ajit Singh, the younger brother of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. The rooms of the hotel will make you feel like a royal. The high ceilings with traditional three-bladed fans and huge chandeliers will transport you to the past. The royal suite offers you a four-poster bed, beautiful Persian carpets, a colonial-style wooden dressing table and a jharokha.
Fare-ing well
Being a foodie, I decided to explore the kitchen and found their restaurant full of tourists tasting the Rajasthani Thali which offers a wide range of local Rajasthani cuisine. But I decided to have Rajasthan's most popular Laal maans which is cooked using red chilli garlic paste, butter, curd with crushed onion juice. I digged into the wide range of Rajasthani food available here which are made using traditional recipes. My food tasted much better sitting next to the pool, relishing it with folk songs. Every evening, performing artistes and craftspeople flock to the sprawling lawns of the retreat to showcase their skills. The performances include traditional puppet theatre.
Ware house
Artisans spread their wares on the manicured lawns for guests to browse through. There are items ranging from handcrafted jootis (shoes), accessories, bags, trinkets and dolls. Apart from luxurious rooms and delicious food, Ranbanka offers a stress buster message therapy. The signature therapy of the Marwar Spa is unbelievable. The fragrant signature oil used blends the richness of kewda with the aroma of rose infused in sandalwood; a guaranteed stress buster. There are special spa therapies for guests according to their choice with an extensive menu of personalised six-sense inspired treatments for mind, body and soul.u00a0The property is not only a heritage hotel but also a romantic gateaway, so all those young couples looking to spend your vacation at beaches and hills can think of heading towards Jodhpur. My trip to Jodhpur was exotic and explored a new dimension of the city.
How to reach: From Delhi eight hours by road, or overnight train Mandor Express, or flights.
Where it is: Ranbanka Hotels Circuit House Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Ring: 91-291-2517088/2800/2801/ 2802/2803.
Mobile: 09351157071
Email: reservations@ranbankahotels.com
Website: www.ranbankahotels.com
